Nothe Gardens

Positioned at a stunning location overlooking both Weymouth and Portland harbours, these informal gardens are one of the most beautiful the town has to offer.

The vast array of choice trees, established shrub beds and winding paths that lead down to sheltered slopes and picnic areas are ideal for walkers, sun bathers and families. The large grassed area is great for ball games while, at the foot of the gardens, the seashore is a fun place for children to go crabbing in the rock pools. Dogs are welcome but must remain on their lead throughout the whole gardens.

Facilities 

Cafe

The main cafe at the entrance to the gardens has a terrace where tables and chairs are set out during the summer for customers.

Ice cream hut

A small hut located at the entrance to Newton’s Cove sells hot drinks and ice creams to passing trade.

Toilets

The public toilets are positioned in the centre of the gardens and are open all year round.

Cycling

Cycling is not permitted in our pleasure gardens, this includes Nothe Gardens.

Car parking

There are three pay and display areas for car parking operated by Dorset Council.

Accessibility

The gardens are mainly accessible by wheelchair although there is limited access to some of the lower paths. Some paths in the garden are steep or uneven.

Nothe Nature Trail

Come and take part in our Nature Trail and see if you can spot 8 animals and creepy crawlies hidden high and low around the garden.

Look out for our two noticeboards with a map of the clues on or alternatively click on the image to obtain a printable copy.

Orienteering Course

The Nothe Gardens orienteering course is a great way to take part in a fun, free activity and learn some basic navigation. It is suitable for everyone. You can walk or run, finding the markers making it as competitive as you like.

You can either borrow maps from the café at the Nothe, or you can download a pdf file of the map and instructions below and print your own.

Nothe Fort

The Nothe Fort was built to defend the coast from potential invasions by the French. This coastal fortress is open to the public all year and tells the story of garrison life for Victorian and World War II Soldiers.

Open: April -Sept every day, 10.30am-5.30pm, last entry 4.30pm. Sunday’s and Bank Holidays 11.00am-4.30pm.

Winter Opening Times: Saturdays and Sundays 11:00am – 3:00pm (last admission 2:25pm)

For more information, visit the website:

Newton’s Cove

The stylishly transformed Newton’s Cove area not only protects over 30 residential properties from coastal erosion but has created a fantastic walkway for all to enjoy. The contemporary £2 million scheme won the British Construction Industry Environmental Award 2004.

South West Coast Path

The South West Coast path runs through the Nothe Gardens and is waymarked both eastwards and westwards.

Site address: Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UF